All posts by : Don Lichterman

The Los Angeles Rams continue to send a clear message to the league: when they are firing on all cylinders, they are a force to be reckoned with. Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season saw the Rams triumph 33-19 over the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 14, with a performance that blended strategic clock management, offensive efficiency, and a ferocious defensive showing.

The game was close at halftime, with the Titans leading 13-10. But the Rams came alive in the second half, outscoring Tennessee 23-6, demonstrating the balance and discipline that could make them a contender if they stay healthy and consistent. There was even a moment of calculated restraint that highlighted the team’s situational awareness: after driving deep into Titans territory, Stafford kneeled near the 3-yard line and the offense backed out to the 30-yard line, setting up what could have been a game-sealing field goal. Head coach Sean McVay opted instead to run down the clock without adding points, a move that spoke to the Rams’ focus on smart, disciplined football rather than vanity scoring which I wanted to do. I wanted to have more than 40 points because if not for nothing, the Rams should have been up at the half 33-3 and we found ourselves down by 3 going into halftime.

Offensive Highlights
Matthew Stafford was sharp, completing 23 of 33 passes for 298 yards and two touchdowns, posting a 152.7 passer rating in the second half alone. His connection with Davante Adams is already paying dividends; Adams hauled in six catches for 106 yards and his first touchdown as a Ram, surpassing 12,000 career receiving yards along the way. Rookie sensation Puka Nacua continued his breakout, racking up 136 total yards, including a 45-yard rushing touchdown and 91 receiving yards, making him just the second player in NFL history to record 200 career receptions in his first 30 games.

The ground game also made its presence felt. Blake Corum found the end zone for the first time in his career with a one-yard rush and added 44 yards on just five carries, showing the Rams’ ability to mix power and speed effectively.

Defense Sets the Tone
If the offense has opened up, the defense has been nothing short of spectacular. Byron Young was dominant, notching two sacks, including a strip-sack that led to a fumble recovery. The Rams’ defensive front consistently pressured Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward, recording five sacks in total and forcing mistakes that the offense capitalized on. Tennessee’s discipline issues—10 penalties for 62 yards—made the defensive job even easier.

The Titans did have bright spots, including rookie Elic Ayomanor, who caught his first NFL touchdown, and kicker Joey Slye, who drilled four field goals, two from beyond 50 yards. But the Rams’ balanced attack and defensive intensity were simply too much to overcome.

Looking Ahead
The Rams improve to 2-0, proving that even when flying under the radar, they can compete at a high level against solid opponents. With the Philadelphia Eagles looming in Week 3, the team faces a stiff test in a road matchup, but the Rams’ mix of strategic offense, explosive playmakers, and a relentless defense makes them a legitimate threat to remain unbeaten. If Stafford keeps finding Adams and Nacua with precision passes, and the defense continues its swarming, aggressive style, the Rams are positioned to stay in the conversation among the league’s elite.

For Tennessee, the season now sits at 0-2, and a matchup against the Indianapolis Colts next week offers a chance to regroup and address both execution and discipline issues.

As Week 3 approaches, Rams fans are already buzzing. The team may not yet be in anyone’s top five discussion, but with this kind of performance—smart, physical, and opportunistic—the Rams are quietly reminding the NFL that they are a team to watch.

Here’s a breakdown of the game – Key moments and statistics

• The Rams overcame a 13-10 halftime deficit by outscoring the Titans 23-6 in the second half.
• Matthew Stafford led the Rams with 298 passing yards and two touchdowns, completing 23 of 33 passes. He had a 152.7 passer rating in the second half.
• Davante Adams had a strong performance with six receptions for 106 yards and his first touchdown with the Rams, surpassing 12,000 career receiving yards.
• Puka Nacua contributed significantly with 136 total yards, including a 45-yard rushing touchdown and 91 receiving yards. He also became the second player in NFL history to reach 200 career receptions in his first 30 games.
• Byron Young had a dominant defensive showing, registering two sacks, one of which resulted in a strip-sack and fumble recovery. He now has a sack in back-to-back games.
• Blake Corum scored his first career touchdown with a 1-yard run and had 44 rushing yards on five carries.
• The Rams defense sacked Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward five times.
• Joey Slye was the main scorer for the Titans, making four field goals, including two from over 50 yards.
• Titans rookie Elic Ayomanor caught his first career NFL touchdown pass.
• Penalties continued to be an issue for the Titans, with 10 infractions for 62 yards. 

Team statistics